Lucy and Company: April 2019

4.28.2019

The Mural

Hi There !

So I have a new obsession. The mural. I have been thinking about it for a while now because I really need some new inspiration and new ideas. Never want to be "on trend" too much. Always wanting to come up with something different. Now the mural is anything but new, it just hasn't been used in a while. It's not exactly flooding Pinterest, where most people look to get design inspiration, hence everyone wanting and doing the same thing. But I say.. be original ! Do something different !

I have used about six of Trove's wall papers in my past. Hung alone as an accent wall. This was the first one I used back about 12 years ago. I loved it then and I love it now.

Trove (here)

There are some gorgeous papers out there.. Cole and Son's Nuvolette is high on my love list.

And of course there is Zuber . . . shown here

Etsy offers up some as well . . .

But what I am really wanting and researching is the hand painted mural. Whole wall. You can go about it a few ways and many wall paper vendors offer these papers, sold in sections. Way no. 2 is the true hand painted directly on the wall.

I am now working with an artist friend of mine in NY who is hoping to move back to the Carolina's. We have been designing a look for our studio to incorporate on 1 wall and trail onto another.. While I wanted her to paint directly on the wall.. after researching and talking we are coming up with a way to hand paint on a paper and apply to the wall.. It would still be hand painted but would be something made in panels on paper that could be shipped ! All the measurements are taken and a scaled drawing is created for a client to really get a visual !

She's coming to Charlotte tomorrow to paint this beauty at our office and I cannot wait to watch the process. Major talent. Stay tuned for pics on Instagram !!!

Finding Your Colors

Hi There

Lavender, Grey and Caramel . . . I love that combination. I'm writing this post because I am doing a little research myself for my own studio. Yeah it's been a year since I moved into our killer loft at Atherton Mills. A Year !!!! Now it looks great, but I have been so busy, getting around to finishing off some final details have been on the bottom on my list. But I am getting excited to finish now that the main element is going in Monday !!!

With a neutral palette I can really go any direction. I wrote a post back on 1/2/17 and am surprised I am still drawn to the same color combination. It must have staying power in my mind I guess.

I have always loved the combination of a dirty lavender mixed with a little darker caramel. Pulling a few images of that color combination for a visual to make sure I still love it.

art by Mary Nelson Sinclair

Yep, still do. The whites, blacks and greys are warmed up with that touch of lavender. The caramel keeps it from looking to sweet.

Here's a little more visual eye candy for the day !

I love this look !

4.27.2019

Lazy Saturday

Morning !

Yes, lazy Saturday on the Isle of Palm... well sorta. Came out here with Kate and friend in tow to meet a client. This gorgeous place is getting a face lift and we are down to the final details before we get this show on the road. My amazing and generous client has the most fabulous place on the water and we'd moved in for a day or two to go over the details and soak up a little sun. Full house of family, and us, it's hard to actually "work."

We are updating the interior. All the paint has been done and just down to the floors.

The first floor has the most gorgeous stone. I wouldn't and am not touching them. It's the upstairs carpet and new hardwoods we are finalizing. If you have a place at the beach with a lot of visitors, something really bullet proof is important as far as a carpet or rug, but nothing beats hardwoods.

Take a look at the pieces I've chosen for this make over. I found it very important to keep some things and pay attention to the style of the home... Some of their existing pieces have a little distressed Swedish 1970's look. Carved and painted. Plan is to mix in more modern pieces and accessories to update for a new look and feel.

The dining room has a gorgeous hutch and chairs - that Swedish painted feeling I was talking about. Adding a new chandelier and art to mix it up is the plan.

White woods and new fabrics will give this already amazing place an updated look.

The kitchen's current light green cabinets will get a fresh coat of white, new counter tops and back splash.

I am often asked about my go-to whites. There are two I used consistently. Ben Moore's Decorator's white and China White. Swiss Coffee (or OC-45) is another really good one. There are a lot of whites and testing them out with your lighting is believe it or not, important !

This place is so relaxing and if you need to work, having a view and a breeze (and a cocktail) somehow keeps it from feeling like work at all.

The house next door is for sale if anyone is looking ! (here)

So Per usual I am the first one up. A little walk on the beach and coffee on the porch. Being in the design frame of mind while soaking up the view.. I am scouring images of the perfect beach place if I had one. I love to play with fictitious houses. I remember I designed my mountain house before I even had one... shopped for it too, crazy but true.

Found these images in my Pinterest files (here) for inspiration and created my own design board. Thought I'd create a "shop page" on this post if any of you are interest. All available through us at Lucy and Company.. (and part of a new section on our website coming soon... the "Shop the Look" page)

A few of my favorite looks .. if I had a beach place, and yes I wouldn't say it's typical beach.